Tenants of BSD were excited to meet with management and develop concise and concrete plans to address multiple critical issues in their buildings.  Tenants came to these meetings optimistic about stabilizing their building. Though some commitments have been made, there is still work to be done.

And there is one issue that remains unresolved: the ongoing evictions BSD has filed against active tenants. While these court cases are ongoing, tenants cannot trust that BSD shares their goal of safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Carlos Banks, one such tenant, expressed how it felt to discuss building issues but receive no response when it came to his court issue:

“How can you expect me to believe that you want to help me when you are currently trying to evict me through the courts? This building is across the street from my kids’ school, and in the community which I am from - I do not want to leave; I want to remain and live in conditions that are healthy and safe. They are claiming we didn’t pay rent on a building which had mold and did not have heat for more than 2 months. It isn’t right: BSD tells me they want my help with the building, but they have me in eviction court! How is that a show of good faith?”

These evictions are retaliatory: tenants have asked for repairs, and requested reasonable rent considering the conditions they have lived under since BSD took over the building. Tenants complained to the city and the Alderman, and now they are being threatened with eviction!

Therefore, tenants ask all those who believe safe and affordable housing is a human right to sign this letter - demand that BSD withdraw all eviction cases so that management and tenants can work together in good faith to make the building a liveable place for all!

Add your name below to tell BSD: withdraw the evictions, and focus on the urgent building issues! End the retaliatory evictions!